Cardiomyopathy in phaeochromocytoma: a case report

Abstract

This case report describes the anaesthetic management of a patient with bilateral phaeochromocytoma and cardiomyopathy. The hypertension and supraventricular tachycardia commonly seen during manipulation of this tumour was controlled by administration of sodium nitroprusside and verapamil. Verapamil allowed effective management of supraventricular rhythm disturbances and arterial blood pressure, and cardiac index remained unchanged during and after phaeochromocytoma removal. As the haemodynamic side-effects of the calcium blocking agent are readily reversed by intravenous calcium chloride, it may have a useful part to play in such cases.